North Island Explorer - 11 days
11 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Russell, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through New Zealand's North Island with the North Island Explorer tour. Begin your adventure in Auckland, exploring its vibrant waterfront and iconic landmarks. Traverse ancient kauri forests and marvel at the stunning Whangarei Falls. Discover the historical significance of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the charming town of Russell in the Bay of Islands. Choose between a scenic drive along 90 Mile Beach or a thrilling cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'. Experience the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula and its panoramic views. In Rotorua, delve into Maori culture and geothermal wonders, with options to visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley or the Hobbiton Movie Set. Savor a delightful evening at the Mission Estate Winery in Napier, and conclude your tour in Wellington, exploring its cultural treasures and vibrant cityscape. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel
Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time for you to explore the local area.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, featuring kauri trees which are at least 500 years old and gaze at the picturesque Whangarei Falls, a natural wonder that dates back over 2 million years.
From here, we continue to the Bay of Islands, an enchanting region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered across warm, shallow waters and bays teeming with natural beauty and marine life. Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is steeped in Maori culture and early European history. Here our adventure starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where we uncover the story of Waitangi, including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Maori tribes and British settlers. Whilst here we can explore the magnificent meeting house and visit the museum. Following this we take a ferry to the charming seaside village of Russell.
Day 3: Russell
Location: Russell
Accommodation Name: The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two excursions to explore the picturesque surroundings.
Option 1 is to travel by coach along 90 Mile Beach to the very tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. This is a full day tour and a picnic lunch will be provided.
Option 2 sees us taking a Hole in the Rock cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse. During this cruise we will watch in awe as the captain guides us through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting).
Once we return to Russell we will meet a guide who will teach us all about this historic towns exciting history.
Day 4: Russell
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Russell – Auckland. Our journey takes us back to Auckland, travelling through rural towns and past picturesque beaches before arriving back in the 'City of Sails.' Here we will enjoy a sightseeing tour where we explore its lively harborside, take in sweeping panoramic views, and explore charming villages. We also enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Auckland Museum.
Day 5: Auckland
Location: Whitianga
Accommodation Name: Oceans Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across the Firth of Thames. We pay a visit to the nearby Driving Creek Railway, where we climb 120 meters on a narrow-gauge line to the 'EyeFull' Tower, offering panoramic views of the picturesque countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. We continue our journey across the peninsula until we arrive at the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.
Day 6: Whitianga
Location: Whitianga
Accommodation Name: Oceans Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pohutukawa trees. One of its most renowned attractions is Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs bubble up through the sandy shores and during the right tide conditions you can create your own "spa" pool in the warm waters.
Stroll along the beautiful sandy beaches of Hahei and visit Cooks Beach, named in honour of Captain James Cook who sailed into Mercury Bay in 1769.
From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation or travel back with our driver.
Day 7: Whitianga
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland to visit a scenic bushwalk with views of Okere Falls. Then it's onwards to Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Here we visit Te Puia, an active geothermal site, the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project.
Day 8: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which is the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. This monumental event reshaped the landscape permanently, giving rise to the valley we explore today. As we wander through we encounter bubbling craters and brilliantly coloured steaming lakes. We embark on a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the location of the silica terraces where we witness the gradual formation of new silica terraces.
Option 2 is a Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where we explore the iconic Shire. Our guide will walk us through the ten-acre site, sharing insights on how the movie set was brought to life. We get to see the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, witnessing the transformation of this beautiful Waikato farmland into Middle-earth's Shire.
In the evening we head to the Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The experience aligns with the Maori lunar calendar, offering Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village. We enjoy a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs and served outdoors or in the dining room, depending on the weather.
Return hotel transfers are included, and we join other travellers for this enriching experience.
Day 9: Rotorua
Location: Napier
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, visiting Huka Falls and onwards to Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We continue our journey to Napier, a joyful seaside town that had a tragic birth which we learn about today as we explore its sights on foot.
Our journey today has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening we are treated to dinner with a glass of wine at the Mission Estate Winery. First set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, today these vineyards produce award-winning wines. We enjoy a tour of the winery before enjoying our dinner with sweeping views over Napier.
Day 10: Napier
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree By Hilton Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to the Kelburn Lookout. After taking the cable car down to the city centre we go to the Te Papa, one of the most exciting museums in the world where we have a lesson in the land, people, wildlife, landscapes and culture of New Zealand.
Day 11: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Wellington Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
10 breakfasts & 2 dinners
Enjoy 10 breakfasts and 2 dinners during your tour.
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10 nights 4 star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels for 10 nights throughout the tour.
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Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 11
Receive airport transfers upon arrival and departure on the first and last day of the tour.
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Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
Be accompanied by an expert local guide/driver, with specialist guides at certain sites.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
Travel in comfort with all relevant transfers and transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
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Ferry to Russell
Take a ferry ride to the charming seaside village of Russell.
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Touring of Auckland, Napier & Wellington
Enjoy guided tours of Auckland, Napier, and Wellington.
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Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Gain entry to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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Journey along 90 Mile Beach or take a Hole in the Rock cruise at Bay of Islands
Choose between a journey along 90 Mile Beach or a Hole in the Rock cruise at Bay of Islands.
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Coromandel narrow-gauge railway
Ride the Coromandel narrow-gauge railway for scenic views.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, and travel insurance are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included and are a personal gesture.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of modern design and historic charm with stays at the M Social Hotel in Auckland, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, Oceans Resort in Whitianga, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Regal Palms Resort in Rotorua, Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier, and DoubleTree by Hilton in Wellington. Each offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and unique local experiences.
Age Policy
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with airport transfers on arrival and departure days, and all relevant transfers and transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a ferry ride to Russell and explore Auckland, Napier, and Wellington with guided tours.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Russell?
In Russell, you have the option to either travel by coach along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, which includes a picnic lunch, or take a Hole in the Rock cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse, where you can experience navigating through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave, conditions permitting.
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What unique experience is offered in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you can choose between visiting the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you can explore the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption and see bubbling craters and steaming lakes, or visit the Hobbiton Movie Set for a Middle-earth experience. Additionally, you can enjoy a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening, which includes a 4-course fusion feast and Maori traditions.
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What is included in the Te Pa Tu Maori experience?
The Te Pa Tu Maori experience includes a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs, served outdoors or in the dining room depending on the weather. It offers Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village, aligning with the Maori lunar calendar.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Mission Estate Winery in Napier?
During the visit to the Mission Estate Winery in Napier, you will enjoy a tour of the winery and a dinner with a glass of wine. The winery, first set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, produces award-winning wines, and you can enjoy sweeping views over Napier during your dinner.
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What are the accommodation options like on this tour?
The tour includes stays at various 4-star hotels such as the M Social Hotel in Auckland, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, Oceans Resort in Whitianga, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Regal Palms Resort in Rotorua, Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier, and DoubleTree By Hilton in Wellington. These accommodations offer a blend of modern amenities, comfort, and convenient locations.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.